From the Directors Desk - Blog

The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum held its first fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, 2024, in the newly renovated Lutterloh Building, following the devastation caused by Category 4 Hurricane Helene.

The event featured the talented singer-songwriter Kerry Gordon, who took the stage, captivating the audience with his soulful voice and personal stories about the rich culture and history of the Cedar Key music scene.  As he performed a unique selection of songs, Gordon’s music and stories resonated within the hearts of the listeners.

Tickets for the event were $25 each, and they sold out within just 10 days, showcasing the community's eagerness to support the museum. Although many members of the historical society could not attend, they generously purchased tickets to ensure that those affected by the hurricane could attend. This generosity highlighted the solidarity that Cedar Key is known for.

Guests enjoyed a delicious assortment of appetizers and drinks catered by the Historical Society, along with BBQ Bills' smoked chicken and sides. The evening featured a silent auction with high-quality items, significantly contributing to the fundraiser's success. Together, we raised over $5,000, directly supporting the repairs needed for the museum’s Andrews House, which suffered significant damage during the hurricane.

A special moment of the night was the honorary membership awarded to local business owner Scott Larsen for his remarkable contributions to helping the community post-Hurricane Helene. Larsen organized numerous volunteers and essential equipment to help remove destroyed buildings and debris free of charge, and he launched volunteers and building materials to assist many locals in rebuilding their homes and businesses at no expense to the owner.

Attendees dressed to impress, filling the venue with positivity and hope as the community continues to rebuild. 

The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum remains committed to preserving and sharing the island's rich history as it moves forward from Hurricane Helene's devastation.

Note: This news story covering the November 8th event was intentionally postponed several weeks out of respect for the unexpected, sudden loss of Kerry Gordon's brother, Rick Gordon.